The Last Lions Photos

Ma di Tau With Two Cubs

With two cubs left, Ma di Tau holds them close. She is a good mother in an impossible situation, struggling to hunt alone with two cubs to feed.

Lions of Duba

Photograph by Beverly Joubert

Water is difficult to move through quickly. All inhabitants of Duba island must learn to contend with the deep rivers that surround them. Hunting in water for hours each day has forged heavily muscled chests, necks, and upper legs in many of the lions of Duba.

Lioness With Buffalo

Photograph by Beverly Joubert

A lioness waits until the last moment before relinquishing her prey as a wall of African buffalo descend to reclaim their fallen companion. The dance of predation is relentless. The lions attack the buffalo, and the buffalo attack the lions, which dive for safety, only to bounce back into the dance as soon as they can. The back-and-forth interplay of power between two of Africa’s giants is eternal, harsh, and at the same time beautiful and essential.

Lion at Sunrise

Photograph by Beverly Joubert

Duba at dawn is a unique place, where dust and mist mingle, suspended above the plain.

Lion With Buffalo

Photograph by Beverly Joubert

Against a constant backdrop of African buffalo, the lions of Duba are highlights on a dark canvas. The destiny of the Duba lions is linked to that of the buffalo; without their constant presence, here on an island with few other animals, the lions simply would not survive.

Lions Crossing Water

Photograph by Beverly Joubert

African lions are at work on Duba island. Endowed with heavy triceps, necks, and chests to navigate the island's rivers, they are propelled by thick sprinter’s thighs and lithe lower legs.

Ma di Tau's Cub

Photograph by Beverly Joubert

Will this lonely little survivor of The Last Lions be allowed to grow up, grow into a mane, and live to dominate a territory? That, as the film says, will depend on us.

Beverly Joubert With Camera

Photograph by Beverly Joubert

"A vehicle is our home, office, bedroom, kitchen, and workbench. I am very attached to our vehicle, probably because of many hours [spent] in it, under it, and dragging it out of mud to safety, but sometimes we have to part company and film on foot." —Beverly Joubert

The Jouberts Filming Lions

Photograph by Beverly Joubert

"Our secret weapon is time. We move in and work with lions daily, until they get so used to us they hunt and kill around our vehicle as if we didn’t exist." —The Jouberts

Beverly and Dereck Joubert

Photograph by Beverly Joubert

"We are like proud pride members in many ways, embedded so deeply into the Tsaro pride, the life of Ma di Tau, and Duba island, that sitting near lions feels like the only home we have." —The Jouberts